Roman sardonyx hardstone cameo of Diana

This is an ancient Roman cameo of Diana the Huntress; it dates to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The brown and white layer of the hardstone sardonyx is cut following the natural contours of the gem, utilizing the white layer for the bust, contrasting with a dark background. 

OBJECT: Cameo 

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Sardonyx

SIZE: 11mm x 8mm x 4mm 

WEIGHT: 0.6 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection Bath